Review of The Joy Luck Club (1993) by Linda I — 24 Mar 2008

Both sweeping and intimate, a lovely evocation of changing cultures and enduring family ties The Joy Luck Club is loaded with heart, filled with life and completely entertaining.

This rich and fully dimensional ensemble character study also boasts a first-rate cast of entrancing performers. And though the audience may not have seen many of these players before, there's no question that each will stay in the hearts and minds of those who are fortunate enough to see this film.

Eight stories unfold, those of four women born into traditional Chinese culture and their adult daughters, all born as Americans. Each of these stories is ultimately interwoven with the others as we observe the tragedies and triumphs experienced by these older women, and the traditions their daughters have, in some cases, chosen to ignore - or unwittingly embraced in a distorted form. How each comes to terms with these situations is the crux of the film. How the stories are told is the film's main strength.

Probably the sappiest movie ever made but I love it anyways....so blah!